Draft Minutes from May 15th
the Annnual Statutory Meeting 
of Talybont-on-Usk Community Council  

1. Cllrs. C. Parry, G. James, E. Moorman, J. Jones and H. Chapman were in attendance.
2. The Annual Report  was presented by Cllr. Parry. It is available for viewing on the website www.talybont.org.
3. Cllr. Parry was elected as chair.
4. Cllr. James was elected as vice-chair.
5. The minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 9th May 2022 were approved as a true record
6. No Matters arose from the 2022 minutes.
7. Declarations of interest were made by all councillors to be recorded on the website
8. The Email and Communication Protocols, Training Protocol and Hospitality

And Gift Protocols were all approved. New standing orders to be drafted and approved for the next Council meeting. Procedures and rules regarding Predetermination, Personal and Prejudicial Interests were shared.

1. There were appointments of representatives to committees - some may change as more councillors are added.
   1. 3 members to the finance committee - Cllr. J. Jones, Cllr. James, Cllr. Moorman
   2. 1 representative to the Henderson Hall Management Committee - Cllr. Parry
   3. 1  observer to the Talybont Energy Project - Cllr. Moorman
   4. 2 representatives to attend One Voice Wales quarterly Committee Meetings - Cllr. Parry and Cllr. Moorman
   5. 1 representative to the Vaughan Gardens - Cllr. Moorman
   6. 1 representative to the Litter Picking Committee - Cllr. Parry
   7. 2 representative for Biodiversity committee - Cllr. J. Jones and Cllr. Moorman 

1.  Questions and Comments from the Public - Henry Vaughan Gardens were changed to the Vaughan Gardens.

 
 

Talybont-on-Usk Community Council Annual Report 2022/2023
1. Foreword
We are pleased to present the annual report of Talybont on Usk Community Council. It provides an overview of its work of the Council during the period 1st May 2022 to 30th April 2023. 
2. Roles and Functions of Talybont on Usk Community Council 
The 1972 Local Government Act states that every part of Wales is in a community. In England, the term “Parish Councils” is still used. In Wales, however, the legal and constitutional term for these units of local government administration is termed “Community Councils”. 
The Community Council represents the lowest tier of local government and is closest to the public as regards meeting local needs. The Council has several statutory rights and duties. What is the Council structure? A list of your local councillors is provided on the next page. 
The Community Council has 9 Councillors who do not represent any political party. They are elected every 5 years. A part time Clerk is employed to handle all arrangements for meetings and preparing an agenda to deal with the records and financial and administrative matters linked to implementing the Council’s work. Contractors are also employed to carry out specialist work such as repair and maintenance i.e., grass cutting and so on. 
The Community Council makes observations on planning applications before they are decided upon by Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. They provide funding for events, clubs, and services in the community. 
How does the Council work? Any work done by the Council will be implemented following decisions taken at open meetings. Any work is paid for with public money which the Council receives through raising a precept which is part of the Council Tax set by Powys County Council. The precept is raised to finance the Community Council’s responsibilities including grass cutting and defibrillator maintenance and contributions to local organisations. 
Can the public attend the meetings? By all means. You are welcome to attend our meetings. Members of the public are permitted to speak for up to 3 minutes with advance notification to the clerk. 
Council meetings are held monthly, except for August and December, and are usually held on the third Monday of each month at Henderson Hall. The Annual Meeting is a legal obligation as stated by the Local Government Act 1972. The annual meeting must be held in the month of May. Council decides on the date. The first item on the agenda must be the election of the Chairman of the Community Council for the next twelve months.
Talybont on Usk Community Council has 9 Councillors
 
3.Membership of the Council
Councillor Geraint James           Elected 05/05/2022
Councillor Colin Parry                Elected 05/05/2022
Councillor Ellen Moorman         Elected 05/05/2022
At the time of this report there are 6 vacancies on the Community Council
 
4. The Council’s Work in 2022-2023  
Annual Audit
Passed with no issues. Clear audit achieved.
Gilestone Farm
Last May the Welsh Government (WG) announced the purchase of Gilestone Farm with a view to lease the farm to the Greenman group. This caused large concern to the community of Talybont around conservation, noise, traffic, and mass tourism events, in a village that is already a tourism hot spot.
A working group was formed to create a survey for the community. It was decided to wait for release when facts were available to include, preventing more upset and fear from arising.
The Council had an informal meeting with Fiona Stewart (director of the GMF/T) in May of 22 and waited for a follow-up meeting with her and the Welsh Government. A meeting with the WG occurred in November and a meeting with key stakeholders, Fiona Stewart and the WG in March. We have been awaiting details from the WG about the ‘business plan’.
The Council has submitted detailed questions about the plans for the site with little information received to date.  Pressure continues from the Usk Valley Conservation Group, who released their own poll in December) as well as community members to take a stance against the plans. There are also constituents who are supportive. TOUCC have chosen to follow the regulatory advice, and to wait for more detail on events and plans before making considered decisions. 
Talybont Activity Centre (Old Railway Station)
Following the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park decision to grant a Certificate of Lawfulness for the development of the Activity Centre. The council argued its validity after numerous residents confirmed that the site had never previously been a campsite. The argument and the following appeal were both rejected. Karl Speed presented his plan to the council in February 23. 
One Voice Wales
Talybont-on-Usk continues their membership in One Voice Wales. They are represented on the NEC and the Policy Committee of the NEC. They are also participating in the audit board.
Installation of speed warning signs
Four sites were equipped with poles and sockets for installing two speed information signs. Two sites are in Talybont and two sites in Pencelli. They have proven effective
Henry Vaughan Garden
Members of the Council fixed unstable handrails and fencing in the garden.
Playground Improvements
The village playground has had a new fence to replace the damaged old fence and ensure child safety. More trees were planted on the north end.
MUGA Repairs
Following the flood damage, the MUGA has been repaired. The floodlights have been set for appropriate hours of lighting.
Council Website 
The council redesigned their website to include statutory requirements set by the WG.
Council Facebook Page
The Council set up a facebook page to keep the community informed
Resignations
Several Councillor resignations have occurred in the last 12 months. In addition to this the Clerk also resigned. Although numerous reasons were given for resignations, Gilestone Farm was a common denominator. The Council wishes to thank all people involved for their service over the years.
 
5. Future Priorities 

1. Make sure the Council is fully compliant with all statutory requirements in The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021: Statutory Guidance for Community and Town Councils 
2. Training: The council will ensure all of the members are fully trained in the Code of Conduct and basic functions of Community Councils as well as encouraging training in  other courses that wil be beneficial.
3. Instigate a council communication protocol to make sure that every matter is addressed as  promptly and effeciently as possible and that the entire council is informed. 
4. Instigate a Communication Strategy with the Welsh Government for the land they have purchased.
5. Schedule a Community Assembly and subsequent Survey to ascertain where the community stands on a variety of issues.
6. Implement the Finance and Governance Toolkit
7. Biodiversity Plan: work with members of the community to ensure that we are caring for the wide array of flora and fauna our stretch of land hosts and protecting them for future generations in our day to day activities
8. Place Plan: The council will commence working with the National Park Authority to develop a place plan.  We will be looking at issues such: 

• how the community be able to accommodate the rising level of tourism and both the benefits and probleman s that arise from it,  
• the cost of living crisis
• infrastructure
• an aging community  
• climate change and the effects it may have 

1. Ensure the Wellbeing for Future Generations Act is considered in all council activities
2. Follow up with the Canal and River Trust to ensure our stretch of the canal is not dangerous.
3. Follow up with Powys roads to introduce the 20Mph Speed limit and make certain the roads are in safe driving condition and marked appropriately throughout our villages.

 
 
6. Attending the Council / Contact us
Attending meetings of Talybont on Usk Community Council 
The Council is keen to see Members of the public attend Talybont on Usk Community Council meetings.  You may attend in person or via Zoom. Except for confidential items, all business is held in public. All the public agenda papers are published online 3 working days in advance of the meeting and draft minutes are published within 7 days.
Contact us.
Email                                                    [email protected]
Website                                                https://www.talybont.org/
Members contact details                       https://www.talybont.org/your-council.html

https://www.gov.wales/gilestone-farm-frequently-asked-questions. ​

In March 2022, we acquired Gilestone Farm for £4.25m against an agreed open market valuation of £4.325m to support the growth of the creative sector in a stronger Mid Wales economy.
We have been in discussions with Green Man for a number of years about the potential to support the future growth of the brand in Wales. Green Man is a key employer in Mid Wales, making a significant contribution to the local economy and providing employment in its main festival business and in an increasing number of related ventures, which place a strong emphasis on sustainable development.
The proposal from Green Man for a base in the Usk Valley presented us with a sustainable, economic development opportunity in a rural area and the chance to anchor a successful brand within Wales. Our support for a sustainable rural business opportunity at Gilestone Farm specifically aligns with the goals set out in the Mid Wales Growth Deal, which was signed by both the Welsh and UK governments in 2022. Sustainable tourism, food and drink and agriculture are key sectors of focus in the deal and we are an active partner in supporting development in these areas.
Green Man met with local representatives recently and shared its vision for the site. It is looking to create a new "sustainable rural enterprise", which it says will generate £23m for the local economy, provide at least 38 new full-time jobs and support 300 local jobs through its supply chain.
No additional commercial activities will be permitted at Gilestone Farm without the required licences and permissions being secured and the appropriate environmental assessments being undertaken.
Alongside partners including Green Man, Powys Council and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority we will ensure we continue engaging with the local community about the future of the site.
The Mid Wales Growth Deal sets out ambitions for a distinctive region that is capable of retaining and attracting young people in the face of major demographic challenges.
It is important we support interventions that take forward the shared ambitions set out in the deal to help the fast-moving creative sector develop and thrive in Wales.
There has been a clear shift in the demographics of the area, reinforcing the need to work collectively to ensure appropriate rural economic development can flourish to create the jobs and supply chain opportunities, which thriving communities depend on. We are committed to helping more young people plan ambitious futures in Mid Wales because they will define the long-term success of the regional economy.  
The business plan presented by Green Man has strong strategic alignment with the aims and objectives of our Programme for Government and the Well-being of Future Generations Act. In addition to farming, the proposed activities are centred around the following:

• A creative hub
• New live experiences and smaller scale gatherings
• Food and beverage production, including support for brewing and bakery businesses
• Sustainable tourism
• Weddings and other events

There is an established history of tourism and small-scale events at Gilestone Farm, alongside a number of existing businesses and economic activity that could be further enhanced to develop the first rural creative hub in Wales. It is important to emphasise the site would not be used as a location for the Green Man Festival itself. Gilestone Farm is not big enough and it would not be logical to move it six miles to an undeveloped site.
The proposals under consideration stipulate the sustainable principles of Green Man would be incorporated into the agricultural activity on-site and assessments undertaken to ensure all activities worked in harmony with the environment, underpinning the farm’s biodiversity. As an example, the business plan sets out that all future farming activities would use best practice in managing excess phosphates leaching into the River Usk.
Based on the due diligence work undertaken by officials to date, I have agreed the process can move forward to its next stage. I have approved:

• Access, by licence, to Green Man representatives to undertake environmental and other surveys required to apply for appropriate operating licences and permissions for their proposal.
• The commencement of formal commercial lease negotiations with Green Man.

Further consultation will take place with the local community, working closely with Powys Council and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority. Once this work and final due diligence has been completed, a full and final options appraisal will be submitted to me for my consideration. I will then reach a decision and make an oral statement to Members.
In the meantime, Gilestone Farm remains under a management agreement with the previous owner via a Farm Business Tenancy on commercial terms. There has been no change of use at the site since it was acquired by the Welsh Government to require further environmental or planning assessments or considerations.
I am aware of the significant community interest in the Green Man proposals, alongside media interest and indeed the continued interest of Senedd Members. I will therefore be publishing a set of Frequently Asked Questions on our website, which will be available from tomorrow at Gilestone Farm: frequently asked questions.

The Council is happy to announce two new members who attended and participated in tonight's Annual Meeting and Community Council Meeting. Cllr. John Jones and Cllr. Harry Chapman, we are delighted to have you!.

We are very pleased to announce that Clare Preece will be coming on board as our new clerk. As the key advisor to the council, proper officer in law and responsible financial officer, she is highly-qualified and experienced.
​She will be an asset to your council. 

Her email address will be [email protected]. 
The clerk should always be the first point of inquiry for all council-related issues.

Clare will be commencing her duties on Monday, May 15th at our cooption of 3 new councillors. She will then be clerking the Annual Statutory meeting at 7pm and the Community Council Meeting at 7:15.  

Welcome Clare! We look forward to seeing you next week. 

 
1.  Apologies for absence to Acting Clerk by email or mobile 07927557934
2.  Welcome New Clerk and Councillors
3.  Declarations of interest
4.  Approve minutes of the meeting on 17th April, 2023 as a true record 
5.  Matters arising
6.  Correspondence:
      Updated emails addressed to Keren Bender to clerk mailbox
      Peter Seaman – Request a letter be written by the council  to the WG
      Jason Birch – Founder of the SF Experience
      Peter Seaman – Talybont Reservoir
      Andrew Large – Concerns
      Craig Burdon – FOI request
      Craig Burdon – Canol Pentr
      Graham/Neil/Keith - pump track
      Ceri Bevan/Heather Vaughan - Rugby posts
7.  Councillor Vacancies – 
8. Gilestone Farm – Notes, then Minutes released from meeting to negative public reaction. Resubmitted documented questions to Gerwyn Evans. Coms strategy meeting to occur later this month. Complaint of floodlights
9. Logo Contest / Noticeboard– Design a logo for the community – judge/announce at village show -prize. Add contact information for the council to all notice boards. 
10. Henry Vaughan Garden and Trail – maintenance
11  Nepali Invitation: Would like to present at June 19th meeting, 6:45pm
12. Biodiversity plan – Good interest from the public. 
13. Online Presence – Website, needs more information, Not everyone has fb or reads notice boards. Bullying and harassment for contentious posts, Receptive to informative ones on FB. Should we register with the ICO? Gratitude.
14. Defibrillator Census Completed and submitted. 
      Shall we schedule a training for a future meeting?
15.  Canal Matters:-
       Leak/Bridge/Repairs/Pen Pentre/Dog Waste
       Follow up on delinquent payment.
       Waiting for rescheduled date for meeting.
16. BBNPA :
         Next Meeting scheduled 5th  June, 11 am, Henderson Hall
         Our Place plan will be initiated. SWOTS
17.  Highway Matters:-
        Need a public consultation for planned double yellow lines. 
        Met Jo Lancey on April 19th.  Need a new diagram.                                                   
18.   County Councillor Report - Anita
19.  Applications for Planning Consent – 
         23/21962/LBC -Buckland Hall – 
         The replacement of existing single glazed windows 
        23/21955/MINOR Royal Oak Pencelli - approved
20.   Community Council Assets   
        a.   Play equipment-  Reports – need new paving slabs at entrance
        b.   Tennis Courts refurb -  marking is done
21.    Finance
       a.    Current Financial position - Glyn
              Current Account: £27,767.39  
              Reserved Account  £8699.12
                       Total £3646.51
 
Invoices for approval--

1. David Macdonald (Talybont Matters) £25
2. Bobbins £143

 
Date of  Next Ordinary Meeting 6thth June,  2023 at 6:45 pm. 
held at Henderson Hall as a Hybrid Meeting
 

You are invited to attend the Cooption of Councillors at 6:45pm and
the Annnual Statutory Meeting of Talybont-on-Usk Community Council  
on Monday 15th May, 2023 at 7:00pm 
AGENDA 

1. Apologies for absence
2. Annual Report 
3. Election of Chair
4. Election of Vice-Chair
5. Approve the minutes of the ASM held on 9th May 2022 as a true record
6. Discuss any matters arising out of the minutes
7. Approve New Standing orders and policy docs
8. Appointment of representatives to committees:
9. 4 members to the finance committee
10. 1 representative to the Henderson Hall Management Committee
11. 1  observer to the Talybont Energy Project
12. 2 representatives to attend One Voice Wales quarterly Committee Meetings
13. 1 representative to the Henry Vaughan Gardens Association
14. 1 representative to the Litter Picking Committee
15. 1 representative for Biodiversity committee

 

1. Questions and Comments from the Public 

 This meeting is a hybrid meeting to be held at Henderson Hall
If you would like to attend by Zoom please contact the clerk at [email protected]